Aviation 2050: the future of UK aviation

A consultation on a new aviation strategy

The aviation industry is a British success story. The UK has a rich aviation history and the government recognises the importance of aviation to the whole of the UK.To build on this success the government is developing a new strategy to support industry in delivering even greater improvements for passengers, the environment and our country.

The government consulted on its proposed approach for developing the strategy in 2017 and published its ‘Next Steps’ document in April 2018.

We have now published a consultation document ‘Aviation 2050: the future of UK aviation’. This document is the consultation on the specific policy proposals for inclusion in the final aviation strategy. The proposals do not form government policy yet.

The strategy sets out how you can respond to the proposals during the consultation period which runs until 11 April 2019.

A final white paper version of the aviation strategy will be published by the middle of 2019.

Aviation 2050: the future of UK aviation – strategic themes

Aviation creates jobs, encourages our economy to grow and connects us with the rest of the world as a dynamic trading nation. It is also important for maintaining social and family ties. This is why the government supports the growth of the aviation sector and the benefits this would deliver, provided that growth takes place in a sustainable way, with actions to mitigate the environmental impacts. We have an aviation history to be proud of and we’re building on a track record of success.

Despite its strengths, UK aviation faces many challenges which it will need to overcome to maintain its leading position and take advantage of the opportunities the future holds.

Aviation 2050 sets out the long-term vision for aviation taking us to 2050 and beyond.

The consultation is structured around the following strategic themes:

Build a global and connected Britain

Aviation is important for the government’s goal of building a global and connected Britain. Through the aviation strategy the UK will be equipped to build new connections in rapidly growing aviation markets, and to use the leverage we have internationally to pursue our objectives on environmental measures and liberalisation.

Ensure aviation can grow sustainably

Demand for aviation has grown significantly since 2010 and the government welcomes growth in the sector, but this growth must be sustainable. Achieving this requires a partnership between the government, the regulator and industry to work within a comprehensive policy framework to better manage the environmental impacts of the sector.

Support regional growth and connectivity

Airports are vital hubs for local economies, providing connectivity, employment, and a hub for local transport schemes. The government wants to see, through the aviation strategy, that these benefits are maximised.

Enhance the passenger experience

All passengers should have a positive experience of flying. The industry is responsive to the needs of passengers but improvements can be made for passengers with additional needs and when things go wrong.

Ensure a safe and secure way to travel

The UK is a global leader in aviation security and safety, with one of the best and safest aviation systems in the world. The government and the CAA share knowledge and expertise with other nations, encouraging them to adhere to international standards and implement improvements with industry to make the skies safer for everyone.

Support General Aviation

The general aviation (GA) sector covers non-scheduled civil aviation. It includes, amongst other things, business jets, pilot training, emergency service flights, as well as private flying. The Aviation 2050 consultation sets out how the government proposes to enable, facilitate and encourage growth in GA, and indicates where it thinks that GA itself should seize the initiative and capitalise on those opportunities.

Encourage innovation and new technology

Innovation is key to delivering the outcomes of the aviation strategy. The government wants to capture the benefits of innovation for consumers, by unlocking mobility and offering new options on how people and goods can move around. And for the aerospace and aviation sectors to maintain the UK’s global leadership, help support jobs, increase productivity, and boost our trade and export capabilities.